tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502Fri, 24 Oct 2014 06:35:25 +0000ETMOOCsherry hegstrom#etmooceducationcommentsJeff Utechtmooctwitterlearningrhizomatic learninganimotoblogconnected learningdigital storytellingetmooc.orgtechnologyAlec courosaScratchconnectionsdave cormierdiigogoanimateteachthewebalan levinebloggingconnectivismmozillavoicethread21st Century LearningCarol BlackChapter 5Classroom20MITPLNReachanimated gifblogsbuffer appcollaborationconnectedcourosacreativitydigital literacygoanimate.comgoogle applicationsgoogle plushtmlintroductionjutechtlessonslinuxreflectionscoop.itshareskisharingsocial mediastoryboardingsue watersteacherthethinkingstickthimbleunixwallwisherweb 2.0#etmchat21st century educationAaron MullerCMSCentury 21ISTEJeannine St AmandNatasha AllanOpen movementQuestion 1Question 2Standards based assessmentTop 5Wired for Learningabbtechtuesdayadjunct professoralan bradyalec courosanimationanonymousapacheapplicationsblog commentsbuffer appschatschristina hendrickclay shirskyclmooccogdogcommentingcomputercomputer teacherconnectivistconsumercouroscoursescssdeliciousdigital identitydigital storyeducatoreducatorstechnologyemerging technologyeuducationfetchmailfunglobalinstructioninternet literacyira glassjoblearnerlearners.orglurkermakeagif.commoderatemodern learningmysqlnetworked learningopen source codepaper.lipeer tutoringpicasion.composterpostspreziproducerprogrammingproprofspublicquizredhatreflective learningresourcescoop.it.self brandingsendmailsilverbirdskypestudentteachteachingteaching jobstechnology jobstraffictweetdeckvisualwhySherry Hegstrom - Emerging Technologies in EducationWhere I share my passion for networking, collobaration, connected learning, web 2.0, pedagogy, blogs, wikis, and share with my PLN.http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)Blogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-404388262692932832Tue, 25 Jun 2013 20:06:00 +00002013-06-25T13:06:22.464-07:00animotoclmoocconnectivismETMOOCintroductionMITmoocprogrammingScratchsherry hegstromMy new MOOC and SCRATCH Intro Coming Soon...First let me say, &nbsp;I joined <a href="http://blog.nwp.org/clmooc/about/">clmooc</a> and I am very excited,<a href="http://blog.nwp.org/clmooc/">Making Learning Connected</a>, how much more can a 21st century educator or self appointed connectivist such as myself ask for. &nbsp; I see some old faces and connections and many new ones to make, very exciting. <br /><br />We have some great facilitators and I am really looking forward to it. &nbsp;I love the concept of<a href="http://blog.nwp.org/clmooc/makes/make-cycles/"> Make Cycles</a> as each week/session is dedicated as such. I missed the first weeks session but that's OK, I watched it last night, posted <a href="http://youtu.be/gRwGycQSevI">here</a>.<br /><br />I love the idea of <a href="http://blog.nwp.org/clmooc/2013/06/20/its-find-five-friday/">Find Fridays</a> where we are challenged to go out and make connections via blogs, comments, google plus etc. &nbsp;What a great way to help foster connectivity in a large MOOC. &nbsp;So I hope to connect with some of you for joint projects soon! &nbsp;This week I'm playing catch up and didn't want to do my introduction/make in my usual ways, for example, My <a href="http://animoto.com/">animoto</a> below, Go ahead watch it if you want. <br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" height="303" id="vp1ysCF9" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/production/vp1&e=1372190110&f=ysCF94LM1Kho85UqenT5SA&d=0&m=a&r=360p&volume=100&start_res=360p&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options="></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed id="vp1ysCF9" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/production/vp1&e=1372190110&f=ysCF94LM1Kho85UqenT5SA&d=0&m=a&r=360p&volume=100&start_res=360p&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="303"></embed></object><br /><br />I'm taking on what I thought we be a new but easy challenge, I have loved <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/">Scratch</a> from MIT for years and have actively taught it for four years now. &nbsp;Well, I havent been to the site or taught it in oh six, seven months and boy have there been some amazing changes. &nbsp;Maybe they happened earlier and I never looked, I just taught and uploaded off of version 1.4.<br /><br />To look at the new <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/11083104/#editor">online interface</a> and new features is awesome! &nbsp;So While yes, I will be making a <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/">Scratch</a> Introduction, &nbsp;I will be taking the time to learn all the new online tools and am looking forward to the journey. &nbsp;I'll post as soon as I'm done and let you know what I think. <br /><br />I am looking forward to sharing and learning with my new <a href="http://blog.nwp.org/clmooc/">clmooc</a> community. As I finish this post I am already pondering this weeks questions.<br /><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414141; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 32px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What does it mean to be a maker? Why make? Why now?</div></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What happens when makers converge around shared interests and purposes? What opportunities might we seize? What barriers do we face?</div></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How do we find and build &nbsp;diverse and inspiring networks of people, resources, and places that support our making and learning?</li></ul>Thank you clmooc, I am already reflecting and I love it. :)<br /><br /><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414141; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 32px; vertical-align: baseline;"></ul><br />http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/06/my-new-mooc-and-scratch-intro-coming.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-3778140961929890717Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:52:00 +00002013-06-19T08:11:44.552-07:00alec courosconnectivismconnectivistcssdave cormierETMOOChtmlmoocmozillarhizomatic learningteachthewebLooking for new Mooc<br />First I must apologize to <a href="http://mozilla.org/">mozilla.org </a>as I did enjoy<a href="http://hivenyc.org/teachtheweb/"> teachtheweb</a> but after week 2 and a laptop issue, &nbsp;I found I could not get re-interested. I quess this is why I tell people, MOOC's are not for college students or at least not most of them. It takes a high level of self discipline and a passion for the subject matter. &nbsp;I quess I am not that passionate about coding. Shame really, teachtheweb explained it well in week 1 "The more you put in/invest the bigger the return". &nbsp;I could not get excited enough to invest much and it shows.<br /><br />I loved mixing pages and boning up my html and css skills but missed not being able to make the weekly session due to logistics. Week three brought grouping and I came in late; no one replied to my Google Plus so there you have it. <br /><br />I'm way to much of a connectivist to feel so alone and a little behind. &nbsp;Different from <a href="http://etmooc.org/">Etmooc</a>, where I had no problem catching up if I lagged off. &nbsp;But the wierd thing is I finished all of my "assignments" from etmooc.org (though not a valid word for a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massive_open_online_course">MOOC</a> I suppose). &nbsp;Everyweek and day, I looked at my google plus others blogs and had a blast. &nbsp;This is me. &nbsp;Not #teachtheweb, which is a total bummer as I really need PD hours after a year of working at the post-secondary &nbsp;level and doing social media. &nbsp; I have lost the focus I had for etmooc. &nbsp;But I'd like to try again.<br /><br /><b>Anyone of my fellow MOOCer's have a new MOOC or course to suggest? &nbsp;I need a new MOOC for the summer. &nbsp;I am a connectivist at heart and have become a strong believer in <a href="http://www.connectivism.ca/about.html">connectivism</a> and<a href="http://davecormier.com/edblog/2011/11/05/rhizomatic-learning-why-learn/"> rhizomatic learning</a>. Thanks to&nbsp;<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/about">Alec Couros</a></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;and <a href="http://davecormier.com/">Dave Cormier</a> for opening my eyes. :)</b><br /><b><br /></b>And to my followers, I missed you, I'll blog more, I promise, or better yet, I'll comment more!<br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b>http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/06/looking-for-new-mooc.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-8214583123352191887Wed, 08 May 2013 14:11:00 +00002013-05-08T07:11:19.281-07:00connectivismdave cormierETMOOCmoocmozillarhizomatic learningteachthewebthimbleWebMaker's Thimble - Week 2 of MOOC<br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Well as you may or may not know, I am now participating in<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://hivenyc.org/teachtheweb/">#teachtheweb</a><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>sponsored by <a href="http://mozilla.org/">Mozilla.org</a>.&nbsp; Week 2 has begun and I have found some interesting changes from my last MOOC, etmooc.&nbsp; More about that later….Ok, This weeks assignment, to create a “webby”.&nbsp;<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>As put on the home page of<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://hivenyc.org/teachtheweb/">#teachtheweb</a><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>the goal was to: create a webpage or video using <a href="https://webmaker.org/en-US/tools/">Thimble,</a><a href="https://webmaker.org/en-US/tools/">Popcorn</a> Maker or Xray. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Please view my very simple Thimble project <a href="https://thimble.webmaker.org/p/lrhm/">here</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>Good thing, my link was in my browser history as I couldn’t begin to tell you how one goes about finding their projects on Thimble. At first I thought this would be a great tool for teaching html but I find myself on the fence. &nbsp;Here are a few of my issues and remember, I love to jump in and play and learn as I go so I created a "persona", required by Mozilla and off I went.<br /><br />&nbsp;1. Once I picked my template, I did not like the font. Nothing in the documentation to help you there, umm, where is the Q and A ?<br /><br />2. I found myself using the html code I already had knowledge of in order to make some adjustments. This would be cumbersome for a newbie to coding, there is no way to find out how to do things your template does not allow, such as center, enter or remove a page break, change columns etc.<br /><br />3. Once you sign in, I literally could not find my project. &nbsp;There was nothing under my login name except the option to logout. I have left a screen shot below. I was surprised that not only could I not find my project, that meant I could not edit it nor do I have any html for embedding.Does it have that option?<br /><br />On the plus side, using the templates provides does help a student learn html and some css as long as they are willing to read the comments thoroughly and be willing to do some googling for features, fonts, colors, headers. &nbsp;I think that it is great that you can see the changes you make to the html and css directly on the create/edit page which does help the beginner a great deal. &nbsp;I believe if you can immediately see your work it makes more sense and their I give Thimble huge kudos.It was great to be able to see how your changes affected your page in a dynamic creative environment.<br /><br />On Moocing, I feel bad as I do not nearly have the time I had during&nbsp;<a href="http://etmooc.org/">etmooc</a>. &nbsp;I think it is funny that people are worried about due dates and such.<br /><br />The MOOC experience is just that an experience and you will get highly stressed out if you look at all the posts and feel behind. &nbsp;My advise, take it at your own speed, digest it, it's Ok, not to be right there with the tide, you will catch up and if not I am sure what you will find that what you have learned you have also digested, analyzed, created and shared.<br /><br />The connectivist approach used in this type of MOOC allows for a NEED FOR TIME. You need to have and give the time to read other's blogs, look at their work, comment comment away and then find yourself amazed with all that you have learned when you do have the time to sit back and reflect and blog (hopefully).<br /><br />As we move into week 2, connected learning, I urge you to look at&nbsp;<a href="http://davecormier.com/edblog/category/rhizomes/">Rhizomatic Learning</a>&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/davecormier">Dave Cormier</a>. It is an amazing concept and to give you an idea I will quote Dave's&nbsp;<a href="http://davecormier.com/edblog/2012/12/13/trying-to-write-rhizomatic-learning-in-300-words/">Blog post</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"The rhizome is a stem of plant, like hops, ginger or japanese bamboo, that helps the plant spread and reproduce. It responds and grows according to its environment, not straight upwards like a tree, but in a haphazard networked fashion. &nbsp;As with the rhizome the rhizomatic learning experience is multiple, has no set beginning or end, – “a rhizome creates through the act of experimentation.” &nbsp;&nbsp;The idea is to think of a classroom/community/network as an ecosystem in which each person is spreading heir own understanding with the pieces the available in that ecosystem. The public negotiation of that ‘acquisition’ (through content creation, sharing) provides a contextual curriculum to remix back into the existing research/thoughts/ideas in a given field. Their own rhizomatic learning experience becomes more curriculum for others."</span></i></div><i><br /></i>Looking forward to week 2 and miss the online meetings. &nbsp;They really help me to stay motivated and focused when I was in etmooc. http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/05/webmakers-thimble-week-2-of-mooc.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-7960500527970667643Sat, 04 May 2013 02:17:00 +00002013-05-03T19:17:45.501-07:00animotoETMOOCgoogle plushtmlintroductionmozillateachthewebthimbletwitterI'm MOOCing Again, TeachtheWeb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://wiki.mozilla.org/images/0/0c/MozMentors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://wiki.mozilla.org/images/0/0c/MozMentors.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Logo from&nbsp;<a href="http://hivenyc.org/teachtheweb/">http://hivenyc.org/teachtheweb/</a></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello fellow, #<a href="http://hivenyc.org/teachtheweb/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=mozilla&amp;utm_content=6+-+httphivenycorgteachtheweb&amp;utm_campaign=20130501_moz_em&amp;source=20130501_moz_em">teachtheweb</a> particants. &nbsp;I am so excited to be a part of a new <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massive_open_online_course">MOOC</a>. Please feel free to look around my blog and get to know me.&nbsp;</div><br />&nbsp;I have to warn you I loved <a href="http://etmooc.org/">Etmooc</a>! &nbsp;So I may&nbsp;have big expectations, but that's Ok, I'm a self motivated learner and hope I can share and produce as much as possible.<br /><br />So, I think I like MOOCs. &nbsp;This one is different, the format changes but not too much, my <a href="https://plus.google.com/communities/106022863174952221205?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=mozilla&amp;utm_content=5%20-%20Webmaker%20G%20community&amp;utm_campaign=20130501_moz_em&amp;source=20130501_moz_em">google plus community</a> is still there just a new one. &nbsp;I love participating in online sessions via chat or blackboard, skype etc. but am not able to make the 11am timeframe here in NH. &nbsp;No problem, I can still watch and reflect but I will miss the live online interaction. &nbsp;I am not a fan of <a href="http://twitter.com/">twitter</a> chats, I get lost down one road and boom, the conversation is over but I will always try to participate and share when I can.<br /><br />I'm leaving my animoto video <a href="http://animoto.com/play/ysCF94LM1Kho85UqenT5SA">here</a> to say hello and introduce myself. &nbsp;I hope you enjoy it. I'm working on my <a href="https://thimble.webmaker.org/en-US/projects/portfoliomaker/edit">Mozilla Thimble</a> page and I already love the tool for teaching. &nbsp;I can see a whole new blog post in the works when I am done playing.. &nbsp;I have taught web design and blogging for a while and it makes HTML so easy!! &nbsp;I promise to post my new page when it's done. &nbsp;For now, saying hello to new <a href="http://hivenyc.org/teachtheweb/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=mozilla&amp;utm_content=6+-+httphivenycorgteachtheweb&amp;utm_campaign=20130501_moz_em&amp;source=20130501_moz_em">teachtheweb</a> friends and new connections!<br /><br />http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/05/im-moocing-again-teachtheweb.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-1824514364918943199Sat, 04 May 2013 01:16:00 +00002013-05-03T19:29:49.565-07:0021st century educationadjunct professorbloggingcomputercomputer teacherETMOOCteacherteaching jobsteachthewebtechnologytechnology jobsWhere are the Computer Teaching JobsToday,<i>&nbsp;</i>I blog with a purpose. &nbsp;With 21st century education being on top of the educational hit list, I find myself utterly shocked at the lack of postings for Computer Technology Teaching Positions. &nbsp;Even the computer integrator positions have gone down drastically. &nbsp;Did my months participating in etmooc make me blind? &nbsp;There were so many other computer teachers, or like minded people that I &nbsp;truly hoped and believed the postings would start in April as usual. &nbsp;Go to <a href="http://google.com/">Google</a> and type in Computer Technology Teaching Positions, or better yet, try any of the famous searches I have done, "digital media" "social media" "adjunct professor" "computer educator" "computer integrator" "technology teacher" "computer teacher". &nbsp;You will not find much if anything.<br /><br />I got my master's in computer technology integration as I love computer technology of any kind, I truly do. &nbsp;Ok, I have a special love for social and digital media as well as citizenship and digital storytelling, but you get the point. &nbsp;I can and love to teach education, computer productivity applications and have a special passion for teaching blogging and web 2.0 which allow for communication, collaboration and creativity (the building blocks of the 21st century learner). <br /><br />I am truly starting to think I should have gotten my master's in a content area such as science (as the positions I do see are always "core" subjects), and while I like science a lot, I'm not ready nor can I afford the classes needed for a new certification. &nbsp;Hmm.. now in order to teach, I am considering leaving what I consider to be the most important subject "computer technology"?? &nbsp;Here in the state of New Hampshire, I think we are progressive yet as I have extended my search to include the state of Massachusetts with not much success.<br /><br />Has computer education falling to the wayside? &nbsp;Am I living in the wrong location? <br /><br />I wonder how many will see this for I am not self promoting though I do think I am an amazing teacher, but as my master's classes fall to the wayside due to lack of enrollment, I look to other colleges and public education and am truly surprised at the lack of posts for positions for which I am qualified, here in NH, with a certification and master's in Computer technology integration and five years of experience I am left to wonder if I picked the wrong field, the wrong state, or the wrong country. &nbsp;I hear technology is at the top of the educational food chain in some European countries, and I know it is obvious when I look at my community from <a href="http://etmooc.org/">etmooc</a>. I guess I'm just a frustrated computer technology teacher displaced and needed to rant. &nbsp;Ok, I miss teaching full time, I admit it, but how do I fix it?<br /><br />I would geniunely love to hear comments on this one!!http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/05/where-are-computer-teaching-jobs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-7804441675387283067Thu, 18 Apr 2013 02:36:00 +00002013-04-17T19:36:37.728-07:00educationETMOOCpeer tutoringpublicstudentteachteacherteachingwhyWhy do You Teach?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B0OIClu7uQ4/ST9zXMWMg4I/AAAAAAAAAY0/6Yr_APlEiQ4/s400/Teacher.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B0OIClu7uQ4/ST9zXMWMg4I/AAAAAAAAAY0/6Yr_APlEiQ4/s320/Teacher.bmp" width="320" /></a><br /><i>I believe this quote sums up how I feel.</i><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I get ready to rejoin the public education system. &nbsp;It has not been without some fears or hesitations. &nbsp;I am a strong believer in student relationships and connections. &nbsp;I have found the more I foster these relationships and connections no matter how small, I and my subject matter come to life for my students. &nbsp;Am I alone? &nbsp;In my time in public education, I have found it is the small things that matter. &nbsp;Small conversations, welcoming your class, a hand shake and a proper saluation. &nbsp;Having solid procedures and a good management philosphy are the coor of a great class, to me, but always remember, Respect goes both ways. &nbsp;We should respect our students as we would like them to respect us. &nbsp;So why do I bring this up, because,&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1. &nbsp;I'm nervous, interviews and such.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2. &nbsp;What if I lost my touch?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3. &nbsp;I feel I am connected and qualified enough to be able to say I do not feel I am so much the intervewed as the interviewer. &nbsp;I have worked in three, yes three school districts and I know what I am looking for and what it takes to help make a teacher successful, a well supported open community of eductors and administators. &nbsp;A great school philosophy and mentality and a love of authentic, 21st century learning... AND</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4. I recently came across a great post, <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/blog/young-people-dont-fear-teaching-career-elena-aguilar">Young People Don't Be Afraid To Become a Teacher,</a> and it was very potent. &nbsp;I love that the <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/user/80">author</a> stands by her convictions that are the reasons why I know I am a teacher and need to teach:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We need great teachers in public schools. &nbsp;Don't be shy until you try.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Teaching can bring incomparable joy,&nbsp;</span>Nothing I have done has brought me as much joy. <br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I can honestly say that when teaching public school there was never a time when I didn't want to go to work, I enjoy spending hours online to jazz up a lesson and provide visual resources and paths other than me, and that the spark of a students interest is immeasurable to me. &nbsp;My five years, like the author has made me grow and has brought me great joy.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It truly took my year off to pursue Higher Ed that has shown me, I am happiest in the classroom and yes, ages are important. &nbsp;I love and miss middle and high school but I would have never found out how rewarding everyday was until teaching higher ed. &nbsp;This was the year I found me, and I am a teacher. &nbsp;I believe in relationships, cooperation, collaboration, connectivism and I love the varied challenges that stem from teaching teenager's. &nbsp;I love being a guide and a mentor. &nbsp;I am blessed I have had this change to reflect and figure out what type of teacher I am. &nbsp;Sometimes we as teachers need to find our place and I am solid in knowing my place is with the confused and hormonal, call me crazy. &nbsp;Many have.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 20px;">Sadly enough, so yes, while many of the pitfalls noted in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-turner/">Randy Turner'</a>s post, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-turner/a-warning-to-young-people_b_3033304.html">Young People, dont become a teacher</a>, are very very true. &nbsp;Sometimes, you just don't fit. &nbsp;Admistration and lack of discipline can be difficult at times, horrifying at others, I swear it is still worth it. &nbsp;Administration can be appeased, look to the student and not the test and the test will improve. Difficult students are just that difficult, but why are they difficult, are you williing to take on the challenge of trying to crack this student, spark an interest, show them that someone cares? &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 20px;">I won't lie, it doesn't always work and if you do not feel supported to remove a student or administer consequences then you are probably going to have a really bad quarter or year, BUT, you might make a connection and make the difficult student your "peer tutor" allowing them to get up and help (ok talk), it's possible. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 20px;">While teaching is not always cherry's and can be difficult and darn right exhausting, for those of us who thrive to make a difference, it is those one or two or fifty sparks and joys received from being an educator, the look on a a students face when they finally get it, sharing knowledge and preparing, contributing to a student's growth that is worth every underpaid or unappreciated moment. &nbsp;<b>So, I'll ask again, Why do you teach? &nbsp;Love comments!!</b></span><br /><br />http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/04/why-do-you-teach.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-3649659495513470477Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:47:00 +00002013-04-02T08:47:19.171-07:00Alec courosablogbuffer appsconnectionseducatoremerging technologyETMOOCreflectionsocial mediatechnologytwitterThank you ETMOOC, I Need To Connect<p>Wow, I miss you already. I am so surprised, I have been so upset that I have had no time to blog and stay connected with a new job in social media. I am doing what I love doing for myself for others and well. It's OK. Fun, yes, but can you imagine blogging and following feeds and composing tweets on a topic you do not love?? It is not an easy task, and I don't think I thought about that. Lesson learned. Oddly, I got the job because of my activity on <a href="http://etmooc.org">#etmooc</a> so thank you, my social media skills have increased two folds. I have also recieved gift certificates and new online promotional and early releases and tools from <a href="http://blogspot.com">google blogspot</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com">twitter</a> and <a href="http://bufferapp.com">bufferapps</a>. Pretty neat stuff. Who knew? </p><p>Thank you <a href="http://etmooc.org">ETMOOC</a>, you brought me out of my online shell. I'm actually quite loud and extremely excited when discussing education and technology in person, yet I can honestly say, I have officially gone from lurker to contributor and producer, again, Many many thanks.I created a lenthy reflection of <a href="http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-mooc-experiece-etmooc.html">etmooc here</a> for you reading pleasure.</p><p>For the many connections, well that just rocks, I feel like there are at least 8 - 10 people, I would not be afraid to ask for help or to maybe webcast with one of my classes. You know who you are, or do you? I wonder if the connections I feel, feel the same way?</p><p><a href="http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/about">Alec Couros</a>, Thank you so so much for an amazing learning experience that was better than any course I have taken, sorry Jeff... It's just that I had and was allowed to learn at my own pace and while I put a lot of hours in, I had a blast commenting, creating, sharing.</p> <p>Heck, I created or borrowed new content for three master's level courses. Please check out my new <a href="http://shegstrom.wetpaint.com/page/Emerging+Technologies+2013">emerging technology class here</a>. I would love suggestions, I think the flow could be fixed/changed. Content is mostly from #etmooc and the thousands of amazing links, resources and the general OER environment, My <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/shegstrom">diigo</a> to read list is full and may take the summer and I am grateful. In my time of not teaching in public school and feeling lost, I found <a href="http://etmooc.org">#etmooc</a>, or it found me. Thanks to all, Wish me luck as I continue my journey and attempt to move back into public education. I miss the middle schooler's, I miss the engagement and I miss the relationships. While higher ed rocks, the teacher in me, needs the crazy I guess.</p><center><b>Connected Technology Educator is Seeking Middle or High School Position in NH or MA</b>.</center> Huh, the first time I used my blog for self advertisement. I think. <p>More to come, I found that I get literally sad when I cannot be myself, connect, blog and tweet away .</p> http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/04/thank-you-etmooc-i-need-to-connect.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-7126107106652008279Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:24:00 +00002013-03-19T12:24:44.719-07:00#etmoocETMOOCinstructionlearningmoocThe MOOC Debate, Really?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXMNoXbBqwc/UUi2q5rOWBI/AAAAAAAAANk/sx5SQckEV5o/s1600/youdecide.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXMNoXbBqwc/UUi2q5rOWBI/AAAAAAAAANk/sx5SQckEV5o/s320/youdecide.jpg" /></a> <p>Ok, have you looked at the number of blogs and posts on MOOC's and the movement, Wow, is really all I can say. Today I read and re-read a post "<a href="https://louwarnoud.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/one-pitfall-for-learner-data-from-open-education/">One Pitfall for Learner Data from Open Education</a>. It really got me thinking. Why is this discussion on MOOC's such a big deal? It's a new avenue, It's a chance some didn't have before and if you get something out of it amazing. If you don't I'm sorry, I think you need to go to class. </p> <p>To quote <a href="http://about.me/louwarnoud">Lou's</a> post :</p><p><i>Where novice to intermediate learners learn best when there is full guidance during instruction, experts “often thrive without much guidance”. So when we analyze the (most effective) learning of course completers in a MOOC our findings are skewed because we see the learning of experts. Translating those findings to the general population of learners would again ignore the well researched fact that novice to intermediate learners learn best from fully guided instruction."</i></p> <p>Here is how I see it and I beleive I responded quite similarly:</p> <p>I agree. I personally do not believe the MOOC experience is for the unexperienced learner. I know as I know my hand that we have a great deal of students at all levels of higher ed that are not truly there to well learn. They are there because that's what their parents told them to do, they are there because society says continue your education when they may not sure what their passion is. These students need a hand, they need a push, a great instructor, a mentor. They need accoutability. They need timeframes, assignments and due dates. My own son could never take an online course at 20, he'd forget he was in it. I'm really starting to believe that any type of MOOC is based on the type of learner you are.</p> <p>I succeeded (well in my eyes) at my <a href="http://etmooc.org">ETMOOC</a> experience because it was what I am very passionate about, the topics that I love and really enjoy teaching and sharing. It's true. I woudn't have joined it if I didn't think I would get something out of it, one connection, one thought. I wanted to connect more, I wanted more experience with blogging and building a PLN. I wanted to learn emerging technologies and I have. Don't get me wrong, Lou states you need to be motivated learner. He is correct, I am a highly motivated person, and I always have been. Yet when I was just starting out, I would have needed more than a connectivist or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massive_open_online_course">xmooc</a> provides.</p> <p>So can we get off the data and the bad experiences of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massive_open_online_course">MOOC</a> and be grateful for what it can be and what it adds to our entire educational system. A way to learn. I just think it's great that we are looking to TRY to fulfill the needs of the general population with educational options they did not have before. I have realized one thing I'm sure , it's "who you are" "what motivation you have" and "where you are in your life" as to whether you as a person will suceed in any type of MOOC. Thank you for stirring some great thoughts. <a href="http://about.me/alison_seaman">Alison</a>, thank you for standing the cause I as love etmooc and your comments found<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104250570094238296069/posts/7jiq6w6ZQXY"> here</a> really helped me put things in perspective for me. :)</p>http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-mooc-debate-really.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-2392710344425015540Tue, 19 Mar 2013 01:33:00 +00002013-03-18T18:33:54.507-07:00blogchristina hendrickcommentsconnected learningeducationETMOOCjoblinuxpostsunixGot a Minute? Connected LearningIn a follow up comment to my blog post, <a href="http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/03/open-movement-and-didnt-know-it.html">Open Movement, didn't know it</a>", I replied to <a href="https://plus.google.com/116544555233051303720/posts">Christina Hendricks</a> comment. <i> "Thank you Christina, "Thanks for your comments. You keep me writing. It's wierd, it only takes one comment and I'm inspired."</i></p><p>Is that true for you too?? Yes, I blog to reflect, and learn but one comment put me down a path and as <a href="http://cogdogblog.com/">Alan Levine</a> at CogDogBlog.com has reminded me it's connected learning at it's best! </p> I couldn't find <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/chendricks/2013/03/07/openness-panopticism/">Christina</a> in a crowd, but I see her blogs and enjoy her comments. I always find myself thinking down a new road when I read her comments or twitter feeds. So I pulled apart my comment back to her as i went down so many roads. Gotta minute? (<a href="http://davecormier.com/edblog/2011/11/05/rhizomatic-learning-why-learn/">rhizomatic learning</a> for ya). <p><i>" I was so tempted not to post this one as I feared I would be speaking french to some, but I hope I left enough links for it to make sense. Yes, I still doubt my posts!"</i>. Ok, again, do you do this too? </p> <p><i>I still have to post part II of my reflection and I'm in edit mode. I wonder if some just write and let it fly??</i> Do you just blog and hit submit? I could never, but I bet my family wishes I would.</p><p><a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/chendricks/2013/03/07/openness-panopticism/">Christina</a> also commented she had "No idea I had been an engineer" <i>Ok, Yes, I was a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix">unix</a> engineer for 11 years. Fell into Linux and always found databases such as mysql fun. It did not mix with family and I really got to the point that the next time my phone rang, I was going to say "call someone who cares".</i> </p><p><i>I started substitute teaching in 2004 and never looked back. Went and got my M.ed (Computer Technology) in 2009 and am CURRENTLY working on securing another public teaching position as Higher ed is fun but is not the connections I need. I miss the classroom, the goofiness, the relationships. Ok, I admit it, I miss Middle School, I miss my dedicated classroom, call me crazy.</i> So Yes, In the job market again.<b> Are you hiring?</b></p> <p><i>It' fun to make code work but trust me, stay on this side, we need you! </i> It's more fun too, did I mention that server work with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix">linux/unix</a> at the time was a command prompt, a large black background and tiny white command line code. At 42, my eyes are shot. </p><p>I share this to say, that the more I blog and the more I give, the more others learn about me and that is so cool. I wasn't even thinking other's would find my old career interesting as it did not relate to technology or education but someone found that interesting and it added to my digital identity for that person. Now that is powerful.</p> Connected learning at it's best and people do learn more about you as you blog. :)http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/03/got-minute-connected-learning.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-8985707008144780757Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:52:00 +00002013-03-15T09:52:25.566-07:00apacheETMOOCfetchmaillinuxmysqlOpen movementopen source coderedhatsendmailunixOpen Movement and didn't Know it.<a href="http://toomanytabs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Bartopen.gif" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://toomanytabs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Bartopen.gif" /></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix"></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix"></a><a href="http://www.unterstein.net/su/docs/CathBaz.pdf"></a>Well, as part of my self imposed homework for <a href="http://etmooc.org">#etmooc</a>, I just finished reading and digesting <a href="http://www.unterstein.net/su/docs/CathBaz.pdf">The Cathedral and the Bazaar Eric Steven Raymond</a>, this is an ebook and copyrighted at: www.tuxedo.org/ ~ esr/writings, <p> It is a very descriptive history of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetchmail">fetchmail</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux">linux</a>. " The effective open-source development" is exactly what is was described as and what is was. Oddly enough, I was on the other side of this movement and had no idea I was being so blessed"</p><p> I'll explain, in nutshell, Raymond discusses how Linux code, <a href="http://www.gnu.org/">Gnu</a>, fetchmail which was just simple mail protocal ah and telnet, ftp were free and those of us who used it made it better and we did it for ourselves, our employers and the community</p>To quote this perfectly Raymond writes: <i><center>Another strength of the Unix tradition, one that Linux pushes to a happy extreme, is that a lot of users are hackers too. Because source code is available, they can be e:ective hackers. This can be tremendously useful for shortening debugging time. Given a bit of encouragement, your users will diagnose problems, suggest ﬁxes, and help improve the code far more quickly than you could unaided.</center></i><p>Funny, I was one of those in the Unix, Linux geek. Back in the 1990's I learned <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solaris_(operating_system)">Sun Solais Unix</a> while starting my first job in help desk, a few jobs later and I was installing various types of Linux, redhat being the favorite and was soon being paid incredible rates for my ability to "find and solve the problem" with system builds I had done myself. Oddly at the time, I didn't think of it as an odd request when my boss or customer said, Ok, I need Linux installed with fetchmail, sendmail, with library files for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQL*Plus">sqlplus</a> and and an <a href="httpd.apache.org/">apache web server</a> with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_Secure">https protocals.</a> </p> Can you believe it, I left engineering around 2001 as I lost my love of the unknown in never ending log files. I grepped with the best of them and I was a good at what I did, throw new things over the wall and Sherry will get it to work with Linux, open source code all the way. I had absolutely no idea that I was part of a huge movement that would turn into well such beauty. To be honest the one huge thing I remember is being horrified at the beginning Ok, you want me to install an OS called Linux, and it has no license, then you want me to get an oracle type database (mysql) with an apache webserver and over secure protocals. It was so so time consuming.. I would work like a dog over logs, new library files, the best release of many to get servers to behave as they were needed and what was fun and challenging became an 18 hour day with little time for my budding family. <p>It's funny, it is so similar to the road I undertook with social and digital media. I became intensely focused on how to deliver great content to my students and become a 21st century teacher.</p> So now I am part of the open movement, but in a very differnt way. I am the user, the tinkerer the trainer and most of all a sharer and contributor (I hope).http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/03/open-movement-and-didnt-know-it.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-6594634464359779132Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:01:00 +00002013-03-07T06:01:05.813-08:00animated gifbloggingbuffer appcommentsdigital storytellingdiigoETMOOCgoanimate.commoocreflectionrhizomatic learningscoop.itMy MOOC Experiece: Etmooc<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNnbuJuy0og/UM8ZpJd4xNI/AAAAAAAACn4/oSWP2Zgq38o/s1600/thinking.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNnbuJuy0og/UM8ZpJd4xNI/AAAAAAAACn4/oSWP2Zgq38o/s320/thinking.JPG" /></a> This has been an amazing journey. And I really wanted to sit down to see what I have learned or contributed during my time with <a href="http://etmooc.org">etmooc</a>. Well, please excuse me as I will discuss applications as they relate to concepts. <br />Session one already had me. I had a great time watching the <a href="http://etmooc.org/archive">etmooc sessions</a> on blackboard; I switched my social bookmarking from <a href="https://delicious.com/">delicious</a> to <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/Shegstrom">diigo</a>. I installed <a href="http://www.scoop.it/">scoop.it</a> and I love it. My switch in social book marking allows me to underline text, make things to “read later” and well, I really like the lists. Scoop.it, well, what an easy way to share. I have also enjoyed buffer for tweets and have become slightly addicted to <a href="http://www.pearltrees.com/">pearltrees</a>. See my <a href="http://pear.ly/bUGyn">social media pearltree here</a>. I like that I can organize information in a visual manner and I like the branching, it reminds me of mind mapping which I have always taken too.<br />I ended up installing silver bird to twitter chats (<a href="http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-do-you-learn-from-twitter-chats-and.html">see my post here</a>). Oh, I learned I am not a fan of <a href="http://socialfresh.com/twitter-chat-how-to/">twitter</a> chats and that’s ok, but I had no idea they even occurred. <p>I actually use my <a href="https://twitter.com/comptechteacher">twitter</a> account at least three or four times a day during what I have termed my “blogsphere” time. I literally went from tweeting 3 times to having over 120 tweets. That means I shared 110+ times, not bad. Oh, and I now dedicate 1 hr a day to commenting, blogging or reading and I love it. Why I did not take this time before is beyond me.</p><p> I learned to blog again but with passion. I’ll be honest, I was a disenchanted blogger, it’s the darn comments, I feel irrelevant if I share but no one is reading, That's me. </p><p>The topics we have covered really leave for reflection and in-depth learning if you choose to do so, but how could you not. We had/have great teachers/facilitators that engaged us in new ways to share, learn and engage. I was the disenchanted blogger which is a shame as I have taught it for years. I love blogging now and am really enjoy just opening up a post and considering what I have found to be significant or fun information I might like to share. <a href="http://suewaters.com/">Sue Water’s</a> gave great presentations that reminded me to be a better blogger, link to people and reflect, some of the things I had forgotten. My blogging community has grown and I really enjoy commenting on blog posts, I find the more you comment, the more you learn, but that might be me. I’m a reflective learner. </p><p>I have come to know the power of comments and a community sharing thoughts on the same subject. It is a truly powerful thing and you cannot teach collaboration, you can only guide it. </p><p>I truly feel that my social media skills have been given a full make over. I learned that I love <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115455636461752421380/posts">Google plus</a> communities and it’s an amazing way to share and create circles of knowledge. </p><p>I finished my course proposal for <a href="http://sherryhegstrom.wikispaces.com/Social+Literacy+Course+Proposal">Social Media and Responsibility in Education</a>. I could not have done that without all of the sharing of knowledge and great content that was provided to us. It gave me and extra nudge. </p>Ah, and <a href="http://davecormier.com/edblog/2011/11/05/rhizomatic-learning-why-learn/">rhizomatic learning</a>. I am a rhizomatic learner and the topic is so in depth and interesting that I could research and write about it for hours, luckily, <a href="http://davecormier.com/edblog/2008/06/03/rhizomatic-education-community-as-curriculum/">Dave Cormier</a> has already done that and I have read and blogged a great deal about this fascinating concept that makes so much sense to me. We spread so many different ways when we learn, we shoot off in different directions and we all take various paths when we are allowed to have a say in our learning. Each person will have a different outcome but it will definitely be in depth. <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_storytelling">Digital storytelling</a> took me down a very familiar road and reminded me why I love it so much, again, so many resources and great content, that I reframed a <a href="http://sherryhegstrom.wikispaces.com/Digital+Storytelling+Course+Proposal">digital storytelling course proposal</a> that span’s 12 weeks. Thanks <a href="http://cogdogblog.com/">Alan</a>, your work in this field is already amazing. I <a href="http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/when-is-it-digital-story.html">redefined digital storytelling</a> and have decided that if you really need to stick to the basics of a “<a href="http://janefriedman.com/2011/09/27/what-is-a-story/">story</a>” before you digitize it. I’m sure many may disagree. I feel we are doing an injustice to ourselves and our students if we let them think any words with a set of pictures are a true story. It may be fun, it may be explanatory, but the story as the literary component and story boarding cannot be ignored. </p><p>I went outside my comfort zone and created a story about a very unpleasant experience. I haven’t done so much storyboarding in a while and it so reminded me of how important it is. My digital story took a lot of effort, time and pain but I think it was very therapeutic. Feel free to see my <a href="http://goanimate.com/videos/0jVsy9KzLIS0?utm_source=linkshare&uid=0aWjxM8Amlfg">goanimate story here</a>. I shared so much of myself, some may say too much, but I needed it and I was hoping to inspire some or get suggestions, I didn’t and that’s OK. I have to deal with things on my own terms. </p><p>I made animated gifs and played with <a href="http://gimp.com">gimp</a> again, something I had not done in years. I like animated gif’s, I think they are fun and a great way to express an idea, thought, emotion. </p><p>I’ve decided to make this a series of blog posts as I had no idea this had become so long. I have so much more to reflect on from the past few months with <a href="http://etmooc.org">etmooc</a>, stay tuned. Thank you to <u> <a href="http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/">Alec Courosa</a> </u> and friends for making my journey possible. http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-mooc-experiece-etmooc.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-5850084560455000052Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:50:00 +00002013-03-05T11:50:05.809-08:00anonymouscommentsETMOOCself brandingsherry hegstromsocial mediaGoodbye to Anonymous<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQYjTONhiZ_GM7fiOW-RmbN8NTcRwwonEpd4pK6djEUnpOoRcVu" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQYjTONhiZ_GM7fiOW-RmbN8NTcRwwonEpd4pK6djEUnpOoRcVu" /></a><center><i>Image from http://www.cpreview.org</i></center><p>In an attempt to be a more open contributor, I changed my settings in 2013 to allow for anonymous comments. My thoughts were that anyone should be able to contribute or share if they find value in what I write. I will tell you this was not without hesitation, I don’t think you should be anonymous in the 21st century. We are all about social media and many channels of communication and I believe each individual should represent themselves and get the credit they deserve besides self branding which is so important in this day and age.</p><p>Anonymous has always confused me. I am a part of great network of teachers, educators, media experts that I would continue to enjoy having contact with. Kind of hard to do if your anonymous.</p><p>Today, I have to say Good bye Anonymous, I will miss you. You have given me, 3 interesting reads and I wish I knew who you were. As for the rest, more than 20 comments from anonymous have invalid url’s or their website which is always in the comment is A search engine, an advertisement, a bunch of well, crap. There is no way I am going to allow myself or my readers to be subject to clicking on links that do not have anything to do with what I am discussing. These comments, I find have very litte merit and never really go into the topic I am discussing anyway.</p> <p>In researching this thought futher, I found a great blog post today that is completely what I have been thinking lately. "<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2011/03/troll_reveal_thyself.html">Troll Reveal Thyself</a>" by <a href="http://www.slate.com/authors.farhad_manjoo.html">Farhard Manjo</a>. If you are going to be online, anonymous no longer cuts it. If you look at youtube and other unmoderated sites you can see the bashing and the plain cruelness that anonymous posts allow.</p> I found this quote particularly relevant: <p>"Anonymity has long been hailed as one of the founding philosophies of the Internet, a critical bulwark protecting our privacy. But that view no longer holds. In all but the most extreme scenarios—everywhere outside of repressive governments—anonymity damages online communities. Letting people remain anonymous while engaging in fundamentally public behavior encourages them to behave badly. Indeed, we shouldn't stop at comments. Web sites should move toward requiring people to reveal their real names when engaging in all online behavior that's understood to be public—when you're posting a restaurant review or when you're voting up a story on Reddit, say. In almost all cases, the Web would be much better off if everyone told the world who they really are."</p> http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/03/goodbye-to-anonymous.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-8125217094247078231Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:47:00 +00002013-03-04T16:47:55.835-08:00#etmoocalan levineconnectionsETMOOCJeff UtechtlearningsharingConnections Rock! My Video on Real Connections<p>Thanks to <a href="http://cogdogblog.com/">Alan Levine's</a> search for true online connections(see <a href="http://stories.cogdogblog.com/call-for-stories/">here</a>), I have created my first speaking video of me discussing my real connection with <a href="http://jutecht.com">Jeff Utecht</a>. I have made a great connection with Jeff and he has been in Thailand for for the last few years while I am in New Hampshire, USA. An amazing teacher and great blogger, Jeff is always willing to share. Now that I teach at the master’s level, Jeff and I connect regularly; he <a href="http://www.skype.com">skypes</a> into my classes about his book <a href="http://www.jeffutecht.com/reach/">Reach</a>, which is, of course, required reading for one of my courses. </p><p>This was a big step for me, I try to stay away from videos. Maybe I'll do more, it really wasn't so bad. Thank-you <a href="http://cogdogblog.com/">Alan</a> for the great project that pushed me out of my comfort zone!</p><p>Connections, online learning and ETMOOC is the way I learn. Hope you enjoy.</p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KYP3D1YHC3M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/03/connections-rock-my-video-on-real.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-3687269538611734942Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:41:00 +00002013-02-28T13:41:27.634-08:00#etmooc21st Century Learningdigital literacyeducationETMOOCmodern learningModern Learning,Today's Students<a href="http://media.pennlive.com/editorials/photo/9470746-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://media.pennlive.com/editorials/photo/9470746-large.jpg" /></a><center><i>Image from media.penlive.com</center></i><p>Modern Education is at the forefront of a lot of discussion's as backed up by <a href="http://willrichardson.com/">Will Richardson's</a> webcast for <a href="http://etmooc.org/archive">#etmooc</a>.</p> <p>He posted a board for collaboration where participants shared ideas on traditional versus modern education. Today we are a tech driven society. There are endless ways to get information, be taught, learn. It really is an exciting time in education. How do you think your grandchildren be taught?</p><p>Let's not forget, as online learning and self directed learning expands, as does the mind and your connections, but how do we ask student under 15 to "direct their own learning". The ability to self organize and use or connections must be taught. It's a shame that we cannot move forward faster as communities and educators but I don't think we knew technology was going to move so fast. Our students, children are very used to "micro-desicions", online interaction is a norm. Can a student sit in a lecture hall, watch a video, tweet and still learn? I think they can, as I write this I am viewing my <a href="http://twitter.com/comptechteacher">twitter feeds</a> go by as well as relistening to <a href="https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/jwsdetect/playback.jnlp?psid=2013-02-21.1608.M.E1C6971D0015BD348DBD143FC183D6.vcr&sid=2008350">Will Richardson's webcast</a> for #etmooc.</p><p>I don't think the tradition structure does work anymore for students, with one in college (ok, he dropped out due to bordom) and one in high school, one of the biggest complaints I hear is how bored they are. I believe that "common core" may hinder or help the problem.(Could common core turn teaching around that could basicall say these benchmarks are a guideline..."teach it great and in any way but use these as a guideline")? Just a thought.</p><p>Modern learning is not replacing traditional schools, we now have <a href="http://vlacs.org/">online academys</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_school">charter schools</a> where our "non-traditional learners are being told they must attend in order to finish school" Let's be honest, these are the trouble makers. The one's we work like heck to crack but end of being our every challenge. Charter schools and online academy's are certainly a step in the right direction, but wouldnt it be great if we had a drop down approach in education, both public and private where the technology teachers and media specialists are not the "UA", the fun class, the elective. In this day in age where so much can be done for and with education via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_literacy">digital literacy</a> and technology, I think the change can only occur when we make technology teacher's integrators at the top of the helm instead of at the bottom. In this world where 21 century curriculum has proved time and time again (<a href="http://www.nsba.org/sbot/toolkit/tiol.html#Enhanced">see related article as of 1996</a>)to engage our learners and provide them greater strengths. It is not at the top, it is at the bottom or in the middle. We need as a community to realize that we must help digitize our students.</p> Since our children already are, why don't we help them do it correctly? <p>Even students see it. Take a look at this <a href="http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2011/04/schools_should_embrace_social.html">blog post</a> from a high school student, Nick Lehtsky insisting social media will help wih education. <p>Thanks you <a href="http://etmooc.org">#etmooc</a> and <a href="http://willrichardson.com/">Will Richardson</a> for a great discussion. Sorry I missed it. http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/modern-learningtodays-students.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-6858331834248274096Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:41:00 +00002013-02-27T12:41:34.700-08:00#etmoocalan levineconnectionsdigital storyETMOOCgoanimateJeff UtechtReachsharingskypeSharing and True Connections Online<center><a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/10000words/files/original/modelbusinessmen.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.mediabistro.com/10000words/files/original/modelbusinessmen.png" /></a></center><center><i> Image from http://mediabistro.com</i></center> <p>Well I just finished watching an amazing video from <a href="http://cogdog.info/">Alan Levine</a>. He is looking for people to share "<a href="http://stories.cogdogblog.com/call-for-stories/">true stories" from connected experiences</a>. Have you ever met that amazing blogger or shared a photo and where then asked to participate in something or speak somewhere? Please see his great video I embedded below.</p><iframe width="380" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MB7eAGS5_0U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><p>I personally love love love this concept. You share and make an actual connection. From that something blossoms. I truly feel that is the ultimate compliment. As I just released a <a href="http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-real-life-digital-story-goanimate.html">true digital story</a> with <a href="http://goanimate.com">goanimate</a>, I can tell you it was a tough call for me. It's so hard to share the truth sometimes, but we are a total of our experiences so maybe my story will inspire others to come forward, to know they are not alone but the passion for learning does not end. </p> If you have a great connection story, <a href="http://cogdogblog.com">Alan</a> would love to hear it and I will be watching closely. Check out his <a href="http://stories.cogdogblog.com/call-for-stories/">blog</a> where you can post your story in any format.</p><p>I'm sad to say that at this time I cannot participate as I have made some connections but not in the way Alan discusses. For me, I was taught by an international educator, <a href="http://jutecht.com">Jeff Utecht</a> back in 2009 and as he began my journey of blogging and web2.0, I always looked up to him. He published a book a few years ago "<a href="http://www.jeffutecht.com/reach/">Reach</a>" which is a great book on creating your PLN and has tutorials for great tools. Was that a plug?</p><p> Anywho, I enjoyed the book so much and watch <a href="http://thethinkingstick.com">Jeff's blog</a> so closely that I made it required reading for my master's class. I got to <a href="http://skype.com">Skype</a> with Jeff often as he was always available to Skype with my class, one email to Jeff and he is always there. For me, having someone being willing to give their free time to talk with my students over Skype and taking the time to get to know and discuss issues with Jeff has truly become the one "connected" experience I have had. Oh, wait,I don't have a movie, but I wonder if <a href="http://cogdogblog.com/">Alan</a> would think that story would count? </p><p>I hope someday to say I met or collaborated with someone from <a href="http://etmooc.org">#etmooc</a>, I have made what I consider to be "micro-connections" and follower's but I cannot honestly say I have not experienced what I see, that is others who really look for each other on our twitter chats and say hello regularly online in blackboard, but I know it will come. Sharing is always paid back two folds. </p>http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/sharing-and-true-connections-online.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-3507852384908271529Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:35:00 +00002013-02-26T14:57:04.145-08:00#etmoocdigital storytellingETMOOCgoanimate.comMy Real Life Digital Story-GoAnimate<a href="http://goanimate.com/videos/0jVsy9KzLIS0?utm_source=embed&uid=0aWjxM8Amlfg" target="_blank">my life</a> by <a href="http://goanimate.com/user/0aWjxM8Amlfg" target="_blank">mrshegstrom</a> on <a href='http://goanimate.com?utm_source=embed' target="_blank">GoAnimate</a><br/><iframe scrolling="no" allowTransparency="true" frameborder="0" width="400" height="258" src="http://goanimate.com/player/embed/0jVsy9KzLIS0"></iframe><br/><a href="http://goanimate.com?utm_source=embed&utm_medium=link&utm_term=Animation+Software&utm_campaign=embedse" target="_blank">Animation Software</a> - Powered by GoAnimate. <p> I wish it could say it was a happy ending. I teach at the master's level, but I miss being in the classroom with middle school and high school teachers. I wonder if your opinion of me has changed.. :(... Talk about true digital identity</p>http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-real-life-digital-story-goanimate.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-3366509080868304976Mon, 25 Feb 2013 19:18:00 +00002013-02-25T11:18:37.049-08:00#etmoocalan bradyAlec courosaclay shirskyETMOOClearningmoocrhizomatic learningsue watersA thought on MOOC's and ETMOOCToday I tried to catch up with google plus. With over 1200 in my email's I figured it was about time to catch up. As usual there are 5 posts I have put in "read later", thanks diigo, a few I commented on and one that took me on a journey I did not expect and I wanted to share:</p><p> I found the following post by..Alan Brady called <a href="http://thenewinquiry.com/blogs/zunguzungu/tree-sitting/">tree sitting</a>. Now unless you completely want to hear an argument as to why the idea's of MOOC's is a bad one and well written with many great points and logical sequence, I suggest you read it. I read it three times and as he disagrees greatly with MOOC's. He discusses these views in his post while addressing a blog post by <a href="http://www.shirky.com/">Clay Shirsky</a> regarding Clay's <a href="http://www.theawl.com/2013/02/how-to-save-college">thoughts on Mooc's</a> as suggested at <a href="http://www.theawl.com/2013/02/how-to-save-college">Mr. Shirsky's blog</a> where he consider's the MOOC a lightening rod, an explosion in this open world, MOOC's will help with expenses, will open how we view what we are learning. I agree completely Mr. Shirsky, thanks for the great post and books. <p> <a href="http://thenewinquiry.com/blogs/zunguzungu/tree-sitting/">Mr. Brady's arquement</a> is that "the word MOOC is misused and that certain colleges will make a profit or misuse it's intentions". </p> <p><li>When he references MOOC's and the self directed learner that is required, he states: <u>you would be getting a special kind of online text, one which is slightly more interactive than a web-site, but basically not distinct from a well-organized blog. Such things can be a wonderful addition to the universe.But calling them “classes” is begging the question that a class is no more than that, and I am consistently amazed that anyone would make that mistake."</u></p></li> I can in earnest tell you I am learning more because there are no time lines really. I am learning rhizomatically and that's OK. I have the time to explore and my stomach is not in a knot because my digital story isn't complete. I have enjoyed so many different paths that I feel that I have learned more. Don't get me wrong, I spend at least 6 hours a week actively in etmooc. I don't worry what path I end up going down as it is usually in great detail and with thinkers similar and very unsimilar to me, which enlighten's me and helps me to grown. <li>“He states that the term online” has performed some strange alchemy, turning a digital lecture class into pedagogical gold. And this is the entire structural logic of the MOOC as a concept: with great technology, comes great student to teacher ratios. There is no MOOC without this imperative to shed pedagogical labor."</li><b> Wow, now I am pretty sure he is not connected as I have learned that I have a community of over 1000 educators to help me. That's an awesome ratio in my eyes. Now I've seen <a href="http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/">Alan's</a> work and <a href="http://theedublogger.com/author/suewaters/">Sue's</a> many comments, I find that so hard to believe. Did we get lucky?? Every facilitator has been wonderful in sharing work, reviewing comments and reading our blogs. It is evident in the comments and in our blackboard sessions that they know who we are and really care about the content provided and well "re-created".</b> <p>I think we know who our connections are by now. We know that there are over 1000 people willing to help in our #etmooc community. Am I wrong? I think that those who need to be nudged or pushed to listen or in some cases talk are what we call lurkers. Not slackers. They see the information and hopefully they will try to play with one of the many great tools the community provides and contribute too. It's ok, 80% of the information on the internet is learned because they are looking for it. Even if they don't contribute, does not mean they did not learn.</p></p>Point is, As an etmooc'er I got upset. I got upset that the views he presented appeared to be well, without experience plain and simple, it is so easy to judge or give view points when you have not participated in both types of learning. I have worked my but off it my MOOC experience and I have learned more than many college classes combined. I can go to a lecture with 200 people and walk down hallways and not experience the conversations and reflections that I read, discussed and listen to in <a href="http://etmooc.org">#etmooc</a>, I think <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuSVzFbW_L4">Alan</a> and our other facilitators our providing a great path with topics, <a href="https://plus.google.com/communities/116116451882856472187">communities</a>, blackboard sessions that are enticing and educational. One of the major arguements is that a MOOC is not quantifiable. It is not known who is actually participating and how much. Again, I disagree, I believe if you ask <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuSVzFbW_L4">Alan</a> or <a href="http://theedublogger.com/author/suewaters/">Sue</a> of <a href="http://etmooc.org">etmooc</a>, they could tell you there top contributors, those that have blogs, tweeted, participated, lurked, and learned. I'm sure if you really wanted to you could count how many times I shared on google plus and <a href="http://twitter.com">twitter</a> and how many blogs I wrote and if you really wanted you could even get feeds to my comments as technology is a wonderful thing. <p> We self directed learners do not need the quantifiable. Maybe any MOOC need's a disclaimer,<li> Must read "<a href="http://davecormier.com/edblog/2011/11/05/rhizomatic-learning-why-learn/">rhizomatic learning</a>".</li><li> Must define your own goals.</li><li> Must be willing to be a provider and sharer of information in an online environment and be mature in nature.<li> <u><li> Warning: This is a MOOC, We do not hold your hand but welcome you on a great journey!"</u></p><li> As I finish this post, I just read another great post on MOOC's were they are broken down to an actual online course by <a href="https://etmoocing.wordpress.com/about/">Joe Dillon</a>, "<a href="http://etmoocing.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/course-comparison-f2f-vs-etmooc/">Course camparison,f2f vs etmooc</a>". A great read.http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-thought-on-moocs-and-etmooc.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-8904797091365393322Sun, 24 Feb 2013 05:23:00 +00002013-02-23T21:23:44.366-08:00#etmoocblogscommentsdigital identityETMOOCmoderatesherry hegstromDo you moderate your comments?<a href="http://coreybrooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Who-wrote-O-A-Presidentia-0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://coreybrooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Who-wrote-O-A-Presidentia-0071.jpg" /></a><center>(image from http://zonezeed.com)</center> As my never ending endeavor to continue to be a contributor and producer in the #etmooc community and a better blogger in general, I am still spending time reviewing blogs and trying to leave thoughtful comments. I learn so much from watching comments and thread's take off that I love being able to get feed's and emails from blogs I have commented on previously. <p>I am noticing a new trend, I did not see a few years ago and I find it so odd as we are in the age of "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_identity">digital identity</a>" and citizenship. </p><p> Many people let my comments fly and do not moderate their comments. I have to admit I am usually quite shocked when this happens. So I have to ask. Why would you allow someone to comment to your blog or any "uploaded" work" without moderating their work first. The comment could be horrible, or in my case I get a lot of advertisements which I assume are spam and delete them immediately. I certainly do not allow a comment to hit the www were all can see, if I have no idea what it says or if it represents me and who I am trying to relate/connect with. </p> I used to have my middle school students read the following PDF. "<a href="http://www.lulu.com/items/volume_67/8327000/8327319/2/print/8327319.pdf">This is Me</a>". It really relates to how we are perceived on line. So for those of you who don't moderate or are not sure where the setting is, please give a shout. Don't let other's comment's help define who you are online.http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/do-you-moderate-your-comments.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-296451571538203721Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:06:00 +00002013-02-21T06:06:21.088-08:00applicationsbuffer appETMOOCetmooc.orggoogle pluspaper.liscoop.itsilverbirdtwitterwallwisherNew Tools/Applications I've Learned<p>I have found that I have become much more app centric when it has come to participating in the <a href="http://etmooc.org">etmooc</a> community. My <a href="http://davecormier.com/edblog/2011/11/05/rhizomatic-learning-why-learn/">rhizomatic learning</a> has given me the following tools I wanted to share:</p><p><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115455636461752421380/posts">Google Plus</a> – yes, I had it but I actually like I more than twitter. Building communities to run course content is definitely a great way to go.</p> <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/silver-bird/encaiiljifbdbjlphpgpiimidegddhic?hl=en">SilverBird</a> – <p>Twitter application, this application on Google chrome has been great. It allows me to: Post in my webbrowser, browse tweets from specific users or hash tags, as well as well all tweets in a timeline. This extension allows you to create shortened URL’s within as well as composing, replying, RT, etc.</p><p><a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/shegstrom">Diggo.com</a> – Not only can I create and share social bookmarks, I love the lists feature as well as being able to mark things read for later.</p><p><a href="http://www.scoop.it">Scoop.it</a>. – what a great way to share online and grab quick content from social bookmarking or directly from posts.</p><p><a href="http://paper.li/comptechteacher/1360547783?utm_source=subscription&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=paper_sub">Paper.li</a> – I love creating my own newspapers with up to date information from current feeds and news.</p><p><a href="http://padlet.com/">WallWisher</a> – I like this very basic application for the visualy. It helps me to map curriculum and resources for one topic all on one wall.</p><p><a href="https://bufferapp.com/app/profile/511820ec23379f8c27000017/buffer">Buffer App</a> – This is a great way for me to send out tweets without overwhelming my audience. I do a lot of research at one time and don’t want to encumber those kind enough to follow me. Buffer chooses peak times to send your tweets and it’s so easy to use, click on your “buffer” in your browser (chrome) and it places the title and shortened URL or you. You can have up to 4 tweets in your buffer at one time with the free version. It does have analytics but it is not a concern for me.</p> A reflection on the new tools I have learned and enjoyed. I'm really glad I did this :) http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/new-toolsapplications-ive-learned.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-8826421937069441767Thu, 21 Feb 2013 02:46:00 +00002013-02-20T18:46:37.641-08:00#etmoocdigital literacyETMOOCinternet literacyISTElearners.orglessonsresourceInternet.. or is it digital Literacy - A great resource<a title="By Knight Foundation (Knight-Crane Convergence Lab) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AKnight-Crane_Convergence_Lab_-_Flickr_-_Knight_Foundation_(2).jpg"><img width="200" alt="Knight-Crane Convergence Lab - Flickr - Knight Foundation (2)" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Knight-Crane_Convergence_Lab_-_Flickr_-_Knight_Foundation_%282%29.jpg/512px-Knight-Crane_Convergence_Lab_-_Flickr_-_Knight_Foundation_%282%29.jpg"/></a>B<i>y Knight Foundation (Knight-Crane Convergence Lab) [<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0">CC-BY-SA-2.0</a>], <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AKnight-Crane_Convergence_Lab_-_Flickr_-_Knight_Foundation_(2).jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a></i><p>Today, I found a really cool website , we are on "digital literacy in #etmooc and I am a researcher by nature. I have found "<a href="http://www.learner.org/workshops/teachreading35/session5/index.html">Internet Literacy's</a> that I have to share: New Literacies of the Internet by <a href="http://learners.org">learners.org</a> website.</p> <p> Please click on the link above, it gives an excellent session on <b> "How has the Internet changed traditional views of literacy instruction".</b> This great session includes a <a href="http://www.learner.org/workshops/teachreading35/session5/sec2p2.html">video</a> as well as great resources and student assignments as well as a reinforced printouts. They state the learning goals as: At the end of this session, you will better understand how to: <li>organize your curriculum and instruction to meet the demands of the new literacies</li><li>integrate technology into your content-area curriculum</li><li>provide equal access to computer use for all of your students</li><li>teach your students to critically read and evaluate information on the Internet</li><li>ensure safe use of the Internet in your classroom</li> It's a great session and an easy to do for students of flat classrooms as well as teachers just looking for resources. <p>I found it mildly amusing that their goals and questions are very similar to those of the <a href="http://iste.org">International Society of Education Technology</a> standards: posted <a href="http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/nets-s-standards.pdf?sfvrsn=2">here</a> that fall under "Reseach and Information Fluency". </p>Personally I think of each definition as "digital literacy" as of 2008, to be technically literate meant to be internet literate, or digtally literage it was just evolution. Only my 2 cents. I do like the definition from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_literacy">wikipedia</a> quite a bit: <p><u>"Digital literacy is the ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate and create information using a range of digital technologies. It requires one "to recognize and use that power, to manipulate and transform digital media, to distribute pervasively, and to easily adapt them to new forms".</u>http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/internet-or-is-it-digital-literacy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-4733449012460786192Sat, 16 Feb 2013 20:50:00 +00002013-02-16T12:50:36.178-08:00#etmooccoursesETMOOCetmooc.orglessonsnetworked learningsherry hegstromCan You Lend me a Hand? New Course Ideas Needed<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQFESWouTVjhUBdZiasKBTPh9aNgre574kzHiMkiynwchtAoR0p" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQFESWouTVjhUBdZiasKBTPh9aNgre574kzHiMkiynwchtAoR0p" /></a> <p>Ok, I just received a request for more courses falling under the "Computer Education or Integration" realm in a masters program. We already have Networked Learning which covers:</p><li>Blogs and comments <li> Animoto</li><li> Webinars</li><li> Podcasts</li><li> Diggo</li><li> Digital Citizenship</li>All in 12 weeks. <p>We also have a Multimedia course that covers some emerging technologies such as animoto, voicethread and wiki's. <b><u>Can you suggest a topic that you are interested in or that we have covered in ETMOOC that you think would make for an awesome 12 week course?? </b></u> I wanted to focus on facebook, twitter and blogging and digital identity and was thinking <a href="http://sherryhegstrom.wikispaces.com/Social+Media+and+Responsiblity">"Social Media and Responsiblity in Education"</a>. Feel free to look at the first few weeks at <a href="http://sherryhegstrom.wikispaces.com/Social+Media+and+Responsiblity">sherryhegstrom.wikispaces.com</a>. I am currently being told it will overlap the Networked Learning course. <p> I personally do not think it does as I wanted to go over more such as microblogging, crowdsourcing, and a true focus on blogging and Digital identity as it pertains to education. I've also considered digital storytelling as I have so many tools now, Could you do Digital Storytelling for 12 weeks? Would you want too? Ok, I'm throwing it over the wall and beg for responses,<u> If you could fill 12 weeks with 1 to 3 topics, what would you pick??</u></p> Image from lendahandnow.com.http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/can-you-lend-me-hand-new-course-ideas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-7125331877873139979Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:13:00 +00002013-02-13T15:13:19.390-08:00alan levineAlec courosaanimotocogdogdigital storytellingeducationETMOOCgoanimateira glassScratchvoicethreadWhen is it a digital story?In a previous blog post, I wanted to know if storyboarding takes away from creativity. Feel free to read <a href="http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/does-storyboarding-take-creativity-away.html">here</a> if you missed it. I got varying responses but it has been on my mind. I have moved forward as does my digital story for <a href="http://etmooc.org">#etmooc</a>. I'm using <a href="http://goanimate.com">goanimate.com</a> and it's fun. I think I picked a topic that is well quite revealing and quite personal so I'm never sure how much to add and where it ends. I've changed my storyboard several times so I'm starting to wonder if I should just do something made up? I guess we will all find out. Moving on, I have been reflecting a lot on the concept and definition of digital storytelling. <p><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/courosa">Alec Couros</a> was kind enough to send me a link for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loxJ3FtCJJA">Ira Glass on Storytelling</a>. It was the first movie in a series and of 4 which I highly recommend. It discusses having an antedote ( a sequence that keeps people interested) and a moment of reflection, the point of the story. My question lies in do all digital stories have to true point? Is it OK, as I have been teaching it for a while, to just have a perspective or a sequence that is well predictable? As the technology educator, do I stick to the literary steps I know make up a good story or as a digital technology teacher, am I exempt?? </p><p>I participated in the great session on digital storytelling by <a href="http://cogdogblog.com/">Alan Levine</a>, find here it the <a href="https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/jwsdetect/playback.jnlp?psid=2013-02-11.1606.M.E1C6971D0015BD348DBD143FC183D6.vcr&sid=2008350">#etmooc archives</a>. He also discusses having a hook, "entice me" into your story, yet he also introduced us to "how to tell a story through flickr" where pictures appeared and the participants made up a few sentences on the pictures surrounding the topic "connections". When we did this were we participating in true digital storytelling or were we just having fun?? I again have taught the same but I feel like I'm being hypocritical to the literacy aspect of a true story. </p><p>I'll explain, I teach <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu">Scratch Programming by MIT</a>, and each story must indeed have a full storyboard, a hook, an antedote and a good conclusion. These stories vary but feel free to take a look at one of the stories <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/aaronlwitham/2656369">HERE</a>. </p><p>I also teach digital photography sometimes and I have my students do what we call "stories" from a series of pictures. I have embedded one here. Yes it is mine. <object id="vp1KyMTs" width="432" height="243" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1360796060&f=KyMTsHNvGWZ151VAyJjyuQ&d=0&m=a&r=360p&volume=100&start_res=360p&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options="></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed id="vp1KyMTs" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1360796060&f=KyMTsHNvGWZ151VAyJjyuQ&d=0&m=a&r=360p&volume=100&start_res=360p&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="432" height="243"></embed></object></p><p> See it is cute, but it really is sentences that seemed appropriate for the picture. Does it tell a story? </p><p>Last year, I worked on some integration projects with voicethread and students decided to do their essay's on planets in <a href="http://voicethread.com">voicethread</a>. Again emebedded below, and begs the question as they are truly giving us facts, are they not telling a story?? It took a lot of storyboarding and collaboration for the students to bring it all together in a logical manner. <object width="480" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=2909641"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=2909641" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="480" height="360"></embed></object></p><p>So do we stick to the steps of digital stories via literacy practices everytime? Do we hold to the storyboards, the hook , the antedont and the climax and ending or do we in the 21st century decide that we need a better definition for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_storytelling">digital stories</a>?</p>http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/when-is-it-digital-story.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-1430740162192661969Sat, 09 Feb 2013 19:28:00 +00002013-02-09T11:49:37.497-08:00commentingconnectedconsumercreativityeducationETMOOCetmooc.orgjutechtlurkerproducerthethinkingstickWhen do we create, produce and share more?Today, I came upon a great post by <a href="http://www.jeffutecht.com/">Jeff Utecht</a>. The post <a href="http://www.thethinkingstick.com/what-does-it-mean-to-disconnect/">HERE</a> is titled "What doesit mean to Disconnect". Jeff hit some great points, the definition of being connected to technology is very broad and does depend on your perspective. Please read as he is a great writer and educator. <p>Ok, What resignated with me? Jeff's discussion on consuming versus producing as we as in "all of us" consume a lot when it comes to technology, but what do we produce/share? </p><p>To quote <a href="http://www.jeffutecht.com/">Jeff</a> <b> "Let’s take a step back and look at what we ask students to do in our classrooms. How much time in a given day do students create/innovate/problem-solve vs how much time do they consume?</b></p><li>What if we changed this? </li><li>What if we created….creators? </li><li>What if we allowed students to create things……anything really? </li><p>I love these questions and I think that they should not only be applied to our students but ourselves. What if we just sat back, created, produced and shared. At best your lesson or educational ideas may improve and in some cases take off. You never know. I know that is certainly happening in <a href="http://etmooc.org">#etmooc</a> but I will be honest (for me, etmooc, has made me feel more comfortable to share, I have so much to reflect on and I know you do too).</p>See the following graph taking from the <a href="http://thethinkingstick.com">thinkingstick.com</a>, do you think it is true?? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqFCkMLF7dM/URW3xR2X-8I/AAAAAAAAAKM/cdxpNxlfP9Q/s1600/contribute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqFCkMLF7dM/URW3xR2X-8I/AAAAAAAAAKM/cdxpNxlfP9Q/s200/contribute.JPG" /></a></div><center><i>Photo Credit: photosteve101 via Compfight cc</center></i><p>One of my goals with <a href="http://etmooc.org">#etmooc</a> was to be a producer, plain and simple and to try to spend the time giving back and learning. I try to take the time for good etiquette and link back to other's work. I also try to share and respond to anyone who was kind enough to take a moment to be a producer and left a comment on a blog post or a tweet. It is very worth while. This is how I am learning and building my network. It takes time, but it is so worth it. </p> <p>I find, I spend more time in a day “commenting” and will only allow one blog post for myself. Wierd, I hope not, I’m trying to learn and I’m sick of being a lurker. So if I read your whole post, I will comment, even if I place your tweet, google + post or your blog post in <a href="http://diigo.com">diigo</a>. I will comment and take time to decide what to say.</p><p> Today I learned that the definition of being “disconnected” really is too broad. Escpecially in today’s society where even in my own home, my husband is on his smart phone, my daughter on her kindle and me on my laptop, we find this actually “connected” for us as well are all in the same room, this is family time so we are connected both technically and physically! I guess it’s all prespective.</p> <p>I really appreciated the visual from <a href="http://www.thethinkingstick.com/what-does-it-mean-to-disconnect/">Jeff's post</a> and it makes me sad that I spent years in the lurker category. I can honestly say, that to “create” to express and then to share” is what I am coming to find to be the essence of education not only for my students, but myself as well. Thanks as I think/ I know this post will keep me reflecting and working on producing and sharing more. http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/when-do-we-create-produce-and-share-more.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-4928504713745668844Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:49:00 +00002013-02-07T12:51:34.358-08:00#etmoocanimotocollaborationcreativitydigital storytellingeducationETMOOCgoanimateScratchsherry hegstromstoryboardingtechnologyvoicethreadDoes Storyboarding Take Creativity Away?As I pondered the new assignments from #etmooc on Digital Storytelling, I found myself reflecting on the many ways and forms I myself have learned and taught digital storytelling. From <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu">Scratch</a> to <a href="http://animoto.com">Animoto</a>, <a href="http://voicethread.com">Voicethread</a>, Photostory, <a href="http://goanimate.com">GoAnimate</a> and anything really within the web 2.0 realm. I started to ponder a question I would like to throw out to the many. <p> How important is storyboarding? While I teach <a href="http://info.scratch.mit.edu/About_Scratch">Scratch from MIT</a>, you work with character’s called sprites and bits of code that can change your background, move each character, add have them think or talk. This I know I need a storyboard for and have always loved watching students think they have it and start programming then back to rewrite, as they change their minds. Scratch story embedded here took a great deal of storyboarding but it was again, worth the effort and I am not sure with the complexity of the visual components they could have done it without good storyboarding:</p><a href='http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/aaronlwitham/2656369'><img src='http://scratch.mit.edu/static/projects/aaronlwitham/2656369_med.png' width='250' height='250' alt='Scratch Project'></a><p> I have also taught what I consider to be “<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4486608_write-collaborative-story.html">collaborative stories</a>” on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki">wikis</a>. In this process, each person, begins a story and then each student in a class from 11-20 middle school students are told to add 5 – 10 sentences to the story. Within a few days you can really see which stories are taking off. So soon we are usually down to 3 to 5 stories which get added to by all members of the same class. They write their comments and then we moved them around to create pages(the full story). Feel free to view my old wiki <a href="http://comptechteacher.wetpaint.com">here</a>, story <a href="http://comptechteacher.wetpaint.com/page/Mars">Mars</a> done by 6th graders. Now look at the <a href="http://comptechteacher.wetpaint.com/page/Mars/history">history of Mars</a>, it took group effort. I have also left their story <a href="http://comptechteacher.wetpaint.com/page/Mars">Dewey the Alien</a> and the <a href="http://comptechteacher.wetpaint.com/page/Dewy+the+alien/history">history here</a>, you can actually see how 15-18 different wiki threads turned into some cool stories. </p><p> The stories come out really cool or silly but if you think about it no one needed to sit down and think about how many characters, setting, backgrounds or conversations they were going to have. They wrote truly from their heads with no determined plan. Are these methods two different styles both with great results or is it the complexity of move advanced software that will be seen by the eye that lends for storyboarding? </p><p>I believe and I may be wrong, that we might be taking away creativity when we ask our students for thought out well planned storyboards before they begin, for some are we losing the creative component that is the strength of digital storytelling? Curious.. </p>http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/does-storyboarding-take-creativity-away.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263322070880907502.post-5130096448997487402Wed, 06 Feb 2013 23:10:00 +00002013-02-06T15:11:04.623-08:00Aaron Mulleranimated gifanimationeducationETMOOCfunmakeagif.compicasion.comsherry hegstromtwitterAnimated Gif's are Fun!<p>Well, I guess I need to increase my <a href="https://twitter.com/comptechteacher">twitter</a> followers. In asking a question about animated gif maker’s, not much response, but no worries, I found myself on a great journey. Don’t get me wrong, I love <a href="http://gimp.com">gimp</a> and photoshop but I knew some application must have already been created to help me with this goal. I have spent the past two days looking at possibilities for creating my own animated gifs, oh besides my day job. </p>1st find: <a href="http://makeagif.com/">http://makeagif.com/</a>Where I didn’t have to even loggin, put in four pictures and got the following: Pretty cool.. My animated rose. <a href="http://makeagif.com/eIFTQX" title="eIFTQX on Make A Gif, Animated Gifs"><img src="http://makeagif.com/media/2-06-2013/eIFTQX.gif" alt="eIFTQX on Make A Gif, Animated Gifs"></a><div style="font-size:11px;">make <a href="http://makeagif.com/" title="make a gif">animated gifs</a> like this at MakeAGif</div><p>2nd find: http://picasion.com/get-photo/, again, no login required but limits to three pictures. See my animated daughter here: <a href="http://picasion.com/"><img src="http://i.picasion.com/pic64/fc88fd34abe092693c58026d1161fc40.gif" width="300" height="225" border="0" alt="create an animated gif" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.picasion.com/">create an animated gif</a></p><p>Now I want you all to know, that<u> this was not what I planned on blogging about today</u>, but after spending an hour and ½ having fun with no learning curve, I had to share. Ah, if I really wanted to place blame, or more so THANKS to <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/105716448651002167230/posts?cfem=1">Aaron Muller’s</a> post last night. Check out his animated gif <a href="http://www.aaronmueller.com/?p=104">here</a>. Ok, next post Is planned in #etmooc, I have what I think is a great post on storyboarding vs collobartion coming soon.</p>http://shegstrom.blogspot.com/2013/02/animated-gifs-are-fun.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (shegstrom)4